The
Mantiqueira Mountains (Portuguese:
Serra da Mantiqueira) are a mountain range in
Southeastern Brazil, with parts in the states of
São Paulo,
Minas Gerais and
Rio de Janeiro. It rises abruptly from the northwestern bank of the
Paraíba do Sul River and extends northeastward for approximately , reaching a height of 2,798 m (9,180 ft) at
Pedra da Mina. The mountains, which eventually merge with the
Serra do Espinhaço, were originally forest-covered, except for the peaks that rise above the tree line. They provide
charcoal and pasture for cattle; on the lower slopes there are several health and tourist resorts, such as
Campos do Jordão, Brazil's highest city. The name
Mantiqueira derives from a
Tupi word meaning "mountains that cry", denoting the large number of springs and streams found there.